Shipwrecks from across the world left to rot in Devon lake
It's home to a haunting graveyard of vessels
by Scarlett Hills-Brooks, Katie Timms · DevonLiveIf you've ever taken a stroll around Radford Lake, you'll likely have spotted the eerie shipwrecks that dot the tranquil landscape, some of which originate from distant parts of the globe.
The Plymstock park, spanning 2.5 hectares, provides a humble yet scenic backdrop. The park stretches to the neighbouring Radford and Hooe Lakes, which act as a haunting graveyard for forsaken ships.
Vessels appear to have run aground or been left to rot in the shallow waters, their skeletal wooden remains the sole reminder of their history. This secluded spot is popular with dog walkers and fishermen, but otherwise, an uncanny calmness envelops the foggy waters.
Radford Park itself is tucked within the grounds of the former Radford House, an elegant Tudor building once home to the Harris family in the 19th century, who were close friends of Sir Francis Drake.
The protected wildlife area is significant due to its hosting the largest concentration of hulks west of the River Exe. It's suggested that this section of Plymouth accommodates between fourteen and seventeen vessels.
While some are no longer visible for various reasons, many large dilapidated sea vessels and shipwrecks remain.
According to The Ships Project, the remnants of over 30 vessels can still be seen today - and it's speculated that there may be additional hidden ship remains buried in the mud.
According to The Ships Project website: "It is thought that Hooe or Radford Lake has been a place where boats have been abandoned for centuries. It is a likely spot and has all the requirements, mainly that the Lake is shallow and tidal so boats can be abandoned at high tide yet still accessed when the tide recedes."
The website continues: "The lake is sheltered from all but the worst weather and the owners of the foreshore allowed boats to be abandoned there. There is access by road so salvaged ships' timbers and fittings can be carried away as the ships are dismantled. The remains of more than 30 vessels can still be seen in the lake and there are likely to be the remains of others hidden under the mud so it is a great place to explore our maritime heritage."
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